Rotorcraft Oral Flashcards
Why is it especially important that the leading edge of a wing be kept free of dents and any dirt or contamination?
The air flowing over this portion of the wing must be smooth to produce the maximum amount of lift. If the surface is rough or dirty, the air flow will be distorted and lift will be lost.
What is meant by the angle of attack of an airplane wing?
The acute angle that is formed between the chord line of an airfoil and the direction of the air that strikes it.
What are the four basic forces that act on an aircraft in flight?
Lift, drag, thrust, and gravity.
What is meant by the angle of incidence of an airplane wing?
The acute angle that is formed between the chord line of an airfoil and the longitudinal axis of the aircraft on which it is mounted.
What causes parasite drag on an airplane?
The friction of the air flowing over the surface.
Name the three axes of an airplane and the control that rotates the airplane about each of its three axes.
Longitudinal axis — ailerons
Lateral axis — elevators
Vertical axis — rudder
Does the lift that is produced by the horizontal tail surfaces of an airplane act upward or downward in normal flight?
Downward.
What is the function of lateral dihedral in the wings of an airplane?
Lateral dihedral gives the aircraft roll stability, or stability about the longitudinal axis.
